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Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Halloween treats

Treats we had for Halloween this year.
Goodies made by co-workers
Sugar rose I made from left over candy apple coating.
Candied Apples: Left = Store bought kit, Right = homemade, no dye.
Homemade popcorn balls
How much red #40 is in that kit?
Tons of popcorn for popcorn balls.
A friend brought these cute cupcakes over!
Did I say cute, I meant "frightful"
eek! A mouse!

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Toasted Marshmallow Cake - Easy!


So, I found this recipe online tonight, and I just happened to have the ingredients. So why not try it?

1 package Jet-Puff toasted-coconut marshmallows cut in half.
1 box of your favorite chocolate cake mix prepared per package directions. 

Spread marshmallows, cut side down, on the bottom of a non-stick-sprayed (9x13 inch) glass baking dish. Pour batter over the marshmallows and bake per the package directions. The marshmallows will come to the top forming a glaze or frosting!








Yes, I admit for some reason or another there was a cake mix in my pantry. It probably stumbled into the house by accident. I probably got it for next to nothing or free with the purchase of something else. I don’t really remember!

Anyway, long story short. This recipe is easy. However, the glaze I was promised did not appear on my cake. I would have tried to turn it out but it proved impossible.

I thought, “oh well, I will just ice it…” The problem is, I haven’t made a box cake in I don’t know how long. It is much lighter in texture than most cakes I like to deal with. The result was cakeicide… I killed it. It tore up. It’s really ugly, but it tastes pretty good.
 
No, I didn't take a picture of the crime scene. It’s better left forgotten!

You might want to try it. You may have better luck than I did… Then, you can tell me what the heck I did wrong! 







Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Jack's second birthday :)





Happy Birthday Jack!










He’s 2 years old now. He finally learned how to hike like a boy (at 1 year and 11 months). He celebrates today with a doggie cake. Yes, it is shareable with humans, but the humans chose not to share with him.


Oh Boy! It's all Mine!





6 inch Doggie Birthday Cake:

1 banana mashed
1 egg
½ c. peanut butter
½ c. flour (whole wheat or white)
3 TBSP. Honey
1 TBSP. Canola Oil
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. baking soda

Stir ingredients together. Pour into a six inch cake pan that has been greased and floured.  Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 min. or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 10 min. Remove from pan. Cool completely before frosting.

For frosting: Whip 2 oz. cream cheese at room temperature until fluffy. Smear onto cooled cake.
Voilà! You have Jack’s Doggie cake….
P.S. Jack says not to let your doggy friend eat the whole thing at once or he/she may get a tummy ache. Jack enjoys this in several small slices over a few days.

Peanut Butter Cake with Cream Cheese Icing.
If you prefer the recipe from last year it`s here!

Friday, October 19, 2012

Nutella "Brownies"



I am really thinking I should stay away from Pinterest. Every time I go on that site, there is some scrumptious looking goodies that I feel like I have to run to the kitchen and make. 



Case in point: Nutella Brownies





Only called for 3 ingredients:
1 cup Nutella

10 tbsp flour (also known as ½ c. plus 2 tbsp. If you are too lazy to count to 10 like me…)

2 eggs
Stir all ingredients together and bake in an 8”x8” pan or a muffin tin at 350°F for 20-30 minutes.

I did the muffin tin. I also added some vanilla. It suggested adding nuts, but no thank you.



My analysis: Not exactly what I would call a brownie, but a pretty good cupcake/muffin. My husband said he couldn't taste Nutella. However, being a chocolate purist, I can tell you I could taste that vague hint of hazelnut…
Next time, I think I will add some chocolate chips! Boost the chocolate factor! I also wondered what would happen if I replaced the Nutella with peanut butter, but that will have to wait for another day…

En Français:


Nutella “Brownie”

280 g Nutella
2 œufs

62 g farine de blé

Mélange tous ensemble. Mettre dans un moule de gâteau.
On peut mettre des noisettes dessous.

Fais cuire dans un four à  180°C pour 20-30 minutes.